Anti Phospholipid Antibody IgM

Blood clotting or coagulation is a crucial process to facilitate the repairs in the body when a blood vessel is injured. Platelets attach to the walls of the injured area to plug the tear to stop the blood from effusing further. In order to trigger the coagulation, phospholipid microparticles are released from activated platelets to regulate clot formation.

Phospholipids form 13% of the entire constitution of human platelets in the bloodstream. They are found in two parallel cell layers called Phospholipid bilayers and facilitate cell development and restoration.

Usually, they ensure healthy repair of the body. However, in autoimmune diseases like antiphospholipid syndrome, Phospholipids begin to become dysfunctional as the antiphospholipid antibodies begin to consider these crucial phospholipid microparticles as an invader and trigger immune response against the same.

These antiphospholipid antibodies attack the proteins found on the cell surface in blood and blood vessels. This dysfunction causes interference with the blood clotting process and puts the affected person at an increased risk of developing diseases due to clots in veins and arteries.

The most common factors which require a medical professional to recommend  anti phospholipid antibody IgM test for diagnosis include: 

• Unexplainable blood clots in different body parts, majorly legs
• Repeated miscarriages and stillbirths, especially during the second and third trimester
• History of premature labour
• Autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Prolonged partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
• Detection of multiple sclerosis
• Cancer such as leukaemias, lymphoma, solid tumours, etc.
• Transitory ischemic attack 
• Possibility of cardiovascular diseases or stroke
• Presence of dementia
• Frequent bleeding
• Persistent headaches and migraine
• Recurring seizure

In addition, the usage of certain drugs like phenothiazines, procainamide, and oral contraceptives also form a potent factor for developing antiphospholipid antibodies.

Although the experts haven't found a reason for the excessive clotting process due to the antibodies, a few causes can be directly linked to the disease, like:

• Genetic factors, including indirect transfer from any of the family members
• Environmental factors
• Infections like cytomegalovirus, E.coli, leptospirosis, slapped cheek syndrome (parvovirus B19), etc.

In addition to the natural factors, lifestyle also puts an individual at a greater risk of developing antiphospholipid syndrome, such as:

• Consuming diets high in cholesterol
• Sedentary lifestyle 
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Obesity
• Smoking

The healthcare provider prescribes an anti-phospholipid screen IgG/IgM diagnosis to detect the extent and direct cause of irregular clotting in the body. In light of the overall health, regular treatment and medication might be necessary.

Testing for antiphospholipid antibodies requires an analysis of the blood specimen. Using a surgical needle, a medical expert draws out blood from a vein in the arm of the patient and safely contains it in an airtight vial.

Apollo 24|7 provides an extensive range of lab tests in more than 100 laboratories across the country, including an antiphospholipid antibodies blood test. The test report of the antiphospholipid syndrome categorises the patient in the antibody-negative or positive segments. If positive, the combined reading of the results with the patient’s health history, age, gender, and existing conditions, the doctor suggests treatment comprising anti-clotting medicine and more.